Just over a month has passed since the Guggenheim debuted their long-anticipated exhibit “Art and China After 1989: Theater of the World,” which opened on October 6 in New York City. It has also been just over a month, then, since the Guggenheim gave their statement on their decision to pull three contentious pieces from the show (the three protested in this petition). There is good reason to feel disillusioned by the Guggenheim’s shortsighted response, despite also feeling gratitude for their removing the pieces from the show. In order not to belabor the topic further, please see the two previous petition updates if you’re interested in reading their full statement and my thoughts on it. Back to now: here we are, over a month later, with many of the same unanswered questions and unacknowledged concerns. What to do with lingering discontent, or even anger? Or feelings of injustice and powerlessness? Make something of it. Channel it into something constructive. Transmute it into positive energy and action. I’m thrilled to tell you that this is exactly what has happened in the aftermath of the Guggenheim debacle: “Biting Back – Art for a Good Paws” is an animal charity art show opening in exactly two weeks on December 1 at A Bar Brooklyn. Born out of the chaos and unrest surrounding the Guggenheim controversy, “Biting Back” is the brainchild of Eliza Kapitan and Kim Holiner, both NYC-based creative professionals, each living with their own rescue dogs. After the fallout from the Guggenheim statement, Eliza and Kim felt compelled to do something more. Inspired by the outpouring of concern and support from all of you in this petition, they conceived of “Biting Back” – an event that would continue the conversation, benefit animals, and enable any and all of us to participate. In other words, they chose to create something positive out of their lingering discontent. Once they had this vision, they enlisted NYC animal rights activist Elizabeth Argibay to help spread the word and bring it into reality. Through their tireless efforts, Eliza, Kim and Liz have pulled off something beautiful: an entirely donations-based art show focused on love and respect for animals. This show intends to bring further awareness to the events that inspired its creation, namely, the Guggenheim’s implicit approval of using animal torture as a means of making an artistic statement. Here are a few nice-to-know facts about “Biting Back – Art for a Good Paws:” • A Bar Brooklyn (597 Manhattan Ave, Brooklyn) has generously offered their space to host the event spanning Dec 1-3. • Over a dozen business sponsors have contributed items to be raffled off on opening night. • Nearly 40 artists have donated pieces to be sold, including Sophie Gamand who created the hashtags #tortureisnotart and #guggenheimtortureisnotart. • 100% of proceeds from art sales and raffles will be donated to Animal Haven Shelter, an organization doing vital work for animals all over New York City and the Tri-State area. • Eliza and Kim orchestrated all of the above, in addition to implementing all marketing and outreach efforts with Liz. They created an official event website (featured in this update), a logo and social media accounts for Instagram and Facebook (@bitingbacknyc). How can you get involved? 1. PARTICIPATE: Attend the show and buy art! See exact time/date logistics below. 2. SPREAD THE WORD: Email family and friends. Find Biting Back on Instagram and Facebook (@bitingbacknyc), and tag your friends. Repost their posts to help promote the event! 3. DONATE: If you’re unable to attend and/or unable to purchase art, you can still donate! On Biting Back’s home page, click DONATE. From there you can click on a link that takes you to Biting Back’s fundraiser page on Animal Haven’s website. Here are the specifics (copy-and-pasteable, to easily share the important details with friends & family via email!): WHAT: “Biting Back – Art for a Good Paws” is a charity art show raising both awareness and funds for animal welfare in response to the Guggenheim's support of animal cruelty in art WHERE: A Bar Brooklyn, 597 Manhattan Ave, Brooklyn NY 11222 WHEN: Dec 1-3, 2017 • Fri, Dec 1: opening night reception, 7 p.m. – midnight ------- There will be raffle prizes ------- I (Stephanie Lewis, petition writer) will be there and will say a few words – would love to meet you! • Sat, Dec 2: 1-6 p.m. • Sun, Dec 3: 1-5 p.m. WHO: You, your spouse, friends, family. Come one, come all! WHY: Pick a reason, any reason: 1. You love art 2. You love animals 3. You love animals in art 4. You want to continue discourse on appropriate use of animals in art 5. You want to be a part of something positive coming out of the Guggenheim scandal 6. You want to hang out with me or any of the amazing artists and organizers who will be there Here is a quote I’ll leave with you: “You can tell the greatness of a man by what makes him angry.” – Abraham Lincoln Thank you for reading, thank you for your continued support, and thank you for putting your own anger and discontent to positive, constructive use. Together we can make things happen. Indeed, we already have.